Shoe

ABSTRACT

A bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the second portion is operable to protect the sole of the first portion. The first portion of the bowling shoe includes a sole having an upper portion secured thereto forming an interior volume. The upper portion further includes an opening operable to receive a human foot therethrough. A second portion includes a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the second portion is releasably secured to the first portion and wherein the sole of the second portion substantially covers the sole of the first portion. The second portion further includes a first flap and a second flap that are operable to releasably secure the second portion to the first portion. A pocket is present on the second flap and is manufactured from a transparent material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sports equipment, more specifically but not by way of limitation a sports shoe worn for sports such as but not limited to bowling, wherein the shoe includes a first portion and a second portion both having a sole and wherein the second portion is operable to protect the sole of the first portion.

BACKGROUND

Millions of individuals regularly participate in sports both indoors and outdoors. There are numerous indoor sports and one of the most popular indoor sports is bowling. The bowling industry in the United States is approximately a six billion dollar per year industry. Bowling centers across the United States have implemented new technology and broadened their customer focus over the last several year, which has resulted in bowling being the number one sport in the United States based on participation rate. Over 70 million people per year in the United States played at least one game in the last twelve months. From that group, millions regularly participate in leagues and other similar organizations that engage in frequent play. Currently there are almost 5,000 bowling centers across the country having a combined 100,000 lanes for bowling.

While bowling is easy to begin and appeals to a broad demographic, there is some equipment that is used by the players. Apart from the bowling ball, players must wear specialized shoes having soles that are designed to accommodate the correct bowling throw. Bowling lanes are manufactured from a hardwood and during the bowling throw, a player will typically approach the head of the lane and release the bowling ball. During the release of the bowling ball it is typical that the player will slide at least partially with one of their feet. The sole of the bowling shoe is manufactured from a material that is designed to produce the desired effect and provide sufficient traction for the player during the throwing process.

One problem with existing bowling shoes is that they do not include any means to protect the specialized sole of the shoe. Players often engage in bowling for many hours. During the course of play most players will take a break and walk around the bowling center either to a restaurant or a bathroom. Currently most players remove their shoe when they venture to other areas of the bowling center as materials such as but not limited to liquids, waste and/or other debris have a negative impact on the bowling shoe's sole performance. The removal of the shoes and then donning them upon return is a significant inconvenience for the players and many choose not to do so. This often results in the compromising of the performance of the sole of the bowling shoe upon their return.

Accordingly, there is a need for a bowling shoe that includes a second portion that is releasably secured to the first portion of the bowling shoe that is operable to protect the sole of the bowling shoe and the performance thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion that is operable to receive a foot therein wherein the first portion has a sole and an upper and further includes a second portion that is operable to be releasably secured to the first portion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the second portion further includes a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is superposed the upper surface of the second portion.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the second portion includes a first side edge and a second side edge and wherein the first side edge and the second side edge are substantially straight.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to receive a foot therein and the second portion further includes a first strap and a second strap operable to surroundably mount a section of the first portion.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the upper surface of the second portion is manufactured from a material that promotes a slidable engagement with the sole of the first portion.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the second portion is lightweight and includes a sole that is relatively thin in construction.

Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide a bowling shoe having a first portion and a second portion wherein the second portion is operable to protect the sole of the first portion wherein at least one of the first strap and/or second strap includes a pocket.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first portion and second portion operably secured; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second portion of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a top view of the second portion of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a bowling shoe 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

As particularly shown in FIG. 1 the bowling shoe 100 further includes a first portion 10 and a second portion 20. The second portion 20 is releasably secured to the first portion 10 and is operable to be worn by the user in areas that are adjacent to a bowling lane in a facility such as but not limited to a snack bar or restroom. The first portion 10 further includes a sole 12 that is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to rubber. Attached to the sole 12 is an upper section 13. The upper section 13 of the first portion 10 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to leather and is constructed to form an opening 14 providing access to the interior volume 15. The interior volume 15 of the upper section 13 is operable to surroundably mount a foot of a user of the bowling shoe 100. Although not illustrated herein, the upper section 13 includes a fastening mechanism such as but not limited to laces or hook and loop that is operable to releasably secure the upper section to a foot of the user subsequent a foot being substantially disposed within the interior volume 15. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper section 13 is designed to accommodate either the left foot and/or the right foot of a user.

Referring in particular to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the second portion 20 is illustrated therein. The second portion 20 is operable to be releasably secured to the first portion 10 utilizing the first flap 30 and the second flap 40 as further discussed herein. The second portion 20 includes a sole 50 that is generally elongated in shape having a first end 51 and a second end 52 that are rounded. While the first end 51 and the second end 52 are illustrated as being rounded in shape herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first end 51 and the second end 52 could be formed in numerous different shapes. The sole 50 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to rubber. The sole 50 includes a lower surface 56 and an upper surface 57. The lower surface 56 is manufactured from an impermeable and flexible material. The primary function of the second portion 20 is to protect the sole 12 of the first portion 10 from materials such as but not limited to water. Water significantly decreases the desired performance of the first portion 10 during the activity of bowling. The sole 12 of the first portion 10 is designed to slidably engage a conventional wood construction bowling lane in order to assist the player in the proper technique of throwing a bowling ball. The lower surface 56 of the sole 50 is operable to inhibit any liquid penetration therethrough so as to provide protection of the sole 12 of the first portion 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous different materials could be utilized to construct the lower surface 56 of the sole 50. While no particular thickness of the sole 50 is required, good results have been achieved utilizing a sole 50 that is manufactured having a thickness between one-quarter inch and three-eighths inch. This thickness is desired so as to reduce an uneven walking gait if a user only has a second portion 20 secured to a first portion 10 on one of their two feet.

The upper surface 57 of the sole 50 is manufactured from a durable material that has a reduced coefficient of friction with the sole 12 of the first portion 10. As a user engages and disengages the first portion 10 with the second portion 20 as needed, the upper surface 57 facilitates the slidable connection therebetween. This slidable connection between the upper surface 57 and the sole 12 allows a user to easily position the first portion 10 in the desired position in relation to the second portion 20 during releasable securing of the first portion 10 and the second portion 20. Additionally, the slidable properties of the upper surface 57 further facilitate the easier removal of the first portion 10 from the second portion 20. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the upper surface 57 could be manufactured from numerous different materials having a reduced coefficient of friction being operable to perform the desired functionality as described herein. The sole 50 further includes a first lateral edge 60 and a second lateral edge 70. The first lateral edge 60 and second lateral edge extend the length of the sole 50 intermediate the first end 51 and second end 52. The first lateral edge 60 and second lateral edge 70 are straight and substantially parallel. The design of the first lateral edge 60 and second lateral edge 70 are essential so as to accommodate a first portion 10 that is designed for either a left footed or a right footed style first portion 10.

The second portion 20 further includes the first flap 30 and the second flap 40. The first flap 30 includes end 31 that is secured to the sole 50 utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to stitching or chemical adhesion. The second end 32 of the first flap 30 is generally rounded in shape and is further tapered in width. Secured to the sole 50 opposite of the first flap 30 is the second flap 40. The second flap 40 includes a first end 41 that is secured to the sole 50 similarly to the first flap 30. The first slap 30 and second flap 40 are flexible and operable to overlap as shown in the drawings herein. While not particularly illustrated herein it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first flap 30 and the second flap 40 are releasably secured to each other superposed to the first portion 10 utilizing a conventional fastening material such as but not limited to hook and loop fastening material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous types of materials and/or fasteners could be utilized to releasably secure the first flap 30 to the second flap 40.

As illustrated in particular in FIG. 2 herein, the second flap 40 further includes a pocket 80. The pocket 80 is manufactured from a clear transparent material and is secured to the outer surface 43 of the second flap utilizing suitable durable techniques. The pocket 80 includes opening 81 operable to provide access to an interior volume. While many uses for the pocket 80 are contemplated within the scope of the present invention, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the pocket 80 could be utilized to display a team logo or similar item. Furthermore, while one pocket 80 is illustrated herein being located on the second flap 40, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that more than one pocket 80 could be secured to the second portion 20.

Referring to the drawings herein, a description of the operation of the bowling shoe 100 is as follows. In use, a user will don the first portion 10 of the bowling shoe 100 on their left and right foot. Subsequent to donning the first portion 10, the user will releasably secure the second portion 20 to the first portion 10 wherein the sole 50 of the second portion 20 substantially covers the sole 12 of the first portion 10. During use of the bowling shoe 100 in a game of bowling, the user will remove the second portion 20 from the first portion 10. When a user walks on surfaces other than a conventional bowling lane, the user will secure the second portion 20 to the first portion 10 as described herein so as to provide protection for the sole 12. While a bowling shoe 100 has been described herein having a first portion 10 and a second portion 20, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the second portion 20 could be configured to adapt to a conventional bowling shoe so as to provide protection of the sole.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bowling shoe comprising: a first portion, said first portion further including a sole and an upper portion, said upper portion having an opening and an interior volume, said opening operable to receive a foot therein; a second portion, said second portion being releasably secured to said first portion, said second portion having a sole, said sole of said second portion operable to substantially cover the sole of said first portion.
 2. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 1, wherein said second portion further includes a first flap and a second flap, said first flap and said second flap being opposedly mounted to said second portion, said first flap and said second flap being operable to releasably secure said second portion to said first portion.
 3. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 2, wherein said sole of said second portion is manufactured from a material having a coefficient of friction operable to promote a slidable relationship with the sole of said first portion.
 4. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 3, wherein said sole of said second portion includes a bottom surface, said bottom surface being manufactured from a material that is impermeable.
 5. The bowling show as recited in claim 4, wherein said sole of said second portion further includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, said first lateral edge and said second lateral edge being straight in manner and parallel.
 6. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 5, and further including at least one pocket, said at least one pocket being secured to said second portion.
 7. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 6, wherein said at least one pocket is manufactured from a transparent material.
 8. A bowling shoe comprising: a first portion, said first portion further including a sole, said sole being manufactured from a durable material, said sole further having an upper portion secured thereto, said upper portion forming an interior volume of sufficient size to accommodate a human foot therein, said upper portion having an opening, said opening operable to receive a human foot therein; a second portion, said second portion being releasably secured to said first portion, said second portion having a sole, said sole including a first end and a second end, said sole of said second portion operable to substantially cover the sole of said first portion so as to provide protection thereof.
 9. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 8, wherein said sole of said second portion further includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, said first lateral edge and said second lateral edge extending the length of the sole intermediate said first end and said second end, said first lateral edge and said second lateral edge being straight in manner and parallel.
 10. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 9, wherein said sole of said second portion further includes an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said sole of said second portion operable to slidably engage with said sole of said first portion.
 11. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 10, wherein said lower surface of said sole of said second portion is manufactured from an impermeable material.
 12. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 11, and further including a first flap and a second flap, said first flap and said second flap being secured to said second portion, said first flap and said second flap operable to releasably secure said second portion to said first portion.
 13. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 12, and further including at least one pocket, said at least one pocket being secured to said second portion.
 14. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 13, wherein said sole of said second portion is manufactured to a thickness having a range of one-quarter inch to three-eighths inch.
 15. A bowling shoe comprising: a first portion, said first portion further including a sole, said sole being manufactured from a durable material, said sole further having an upper portion secured thereto, said upper portion forming an interior volume of sufficient size to accommodate a human foot therein, said upper portion having an opening, said opening operable to receive a human foot therein; a second portion, said second portion being releasably secured to said first portion, said second portion having a sole, said sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, said sole including a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end being rounded in shape, said second portion further including a first flap and a second flap, said first flap and said second flap being proximate said first end of said second portion, said sole of said second portion operable to substantially cover the sole of said first portion so as to provide protection thereof.
 16. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 15, wherein said sole of said second portion further includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, said first lateral edge and said second lateral edge extending the length of the sole intermediate said first end and said second end, said first lateral edge and said second lateral edge being straight in manner and parallel.
 17. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 16, wherein said upper surface of said sole of said second portion is operable to slidably engage with said sole of said first portion.
 18. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 17, wherein said lower surface of said sole of said second portion is manufactured from an impermeable material.
 19. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 18, and further including a pocket, said pocket being secured to said second flap, said pocket being manufactured from a transparent material.
 20. The bowling shoe as recited in claim 19, wherein said sole of said second portion is manufactured to a thickness having a range of one-quarter inch to three-eighths inch. 